Summertime means vacation time – unfortunately it also means an increase in break-ins and burglaries. What many clients don’t realize is that there are some very simple measures they can take to ensure their premiums don’t take a hit.
According to data from
Aviva Canada, residential burglary claims increase dramatically over the summer months. Compared to February – which has the lowest frequency of burglaries – July, August and September show an increase of 24 per cent, 36 per cent and 18 per cent respectively.
“While we are pleased to see a general trend of decline in the instance of burglaries, Canadians need to be reminded that a few simple steps can help make them less of a target for this crime,” says Wayne Ross, of
Aviva Canada. “Thieves know that homes are less occupied through the summer, so don’t make it easy to tell that you’re away.”
Before the packing begins, brokers can share these precautions to clients to protect their homes and belongings from theft while away from the home:
• Keep your upcoming vacation plans off of social media and remind your kids to do the same. While you may be diligent with who can see what you post, some of your friends may not have tight privacy settings;
• Consider upgrading the locking systems on your doors and windows. Also inspect window or door frames to ensure thieves could not easily force entry;
• Ensure all windows and doors are locked when out of the home or overnight, and when moving into a new property have the locks changed;
• Make a home look occupied when you’re away. Park a car in the driveway, leave some household lights and a radio on, ask a neighbour to collect mail and newspapers and mow your lawn;
• Install a security device with a loud alarm or flashing lights. Some alarms contact authorities directly when they have been activated;
• Do a home inventory with your video camera, it will take minutes, but will save you the stress and heartache of listing all of your possession. The Aviva customer survey also indicates only half of respondents have some form of home inventory. (continued.)
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Value of thefts increasing
The good news is the frequency of burglary is on the decline in Canada; the bad news is the value of property being stolen is on the rise.
For Aviva Canada, the average value of a burglary claim has increased 27 per cent over the last five years from $5,695 to $7,243. This can be attributed to the value of easier to steal and sell items such as jewelry, tablet and laptop computers, cell phones, video cameras and gaming consoles, says Ross.
“Thieves are generally not after larger items such as big screen TVs and stereo systems,” he says.
Friday is a favourite for thieves
Break-ins are more common at the start of the weekend, with Friday showing the greatest incidence at 25 per cent higher than Sunday, the day with the lowest incidence of break-ins. Thursday also shows a high rate of break-in frequency at 19 per cent higher than Sunday.
Quebec, Manitoba and British Columbia trend higher than rest of Canada
Quebec homeowners have the highest frequency of break-ins at almost two times that of the national average, according to data gathered by Aviva Canada from 2009 to 2013.
At just over one third of the national average, the Atlantic Provinces have the lowest frequency of burglary claims.
